UN: Surge in Displacement as Clashes and Drought Grip Somalia

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 17 April 2025 01:55

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UN: Surge in Displacement as Clashes and Drought Grip Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Continued fighting and worsening drought conditions have displaced more than 110,000 people across Somalia in recent weeks, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wedne

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Women in Buloburte town in Hiiraan region. | PHOTO/ OCHA.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Continued fighting and worsening drought conditions have displaced more than 110,000 people across Somalia in recent weeks, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday.

The displacement is largely due to renewed conflict in Puntland State, in northeastern Somalia, and ongoing violence in Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, which fall under Hirshabelle and South West States.

OCHA warns that 4.6 million people in Somalia are projected to face high levels of hunger this year.

"In Middle and Lower Shabelle, clashes between Somali National Army forces and non-state armed groups have forced over 30,000 people from 20 villages to flee, many of whom have taken refuge in Middle Shabelle and the capital, Mogadishu,” OCHA stated in its latest humanitarian update.

Security concerns in contested areas

Al-Shabaab militants continue to carry out deadly attacks in southern and central Somalia as they attempt to advance towards Mogadishu.

Security concerns in contested areas such as Aden Yabal and Cadale in Middle Shabelle are severely restricting humanitarian access, the UN said.

Intensifying Conflict in Middle Shabelle Fuels Civilian Crisis in Somalia

This includes the closure of two nutrition facilities and all mobile health and nutrition services in Adan Yabaal district.

"Humanitarian needs are rapidly rising amidst access challenges, compounded by worsening dry conditions and rising water prices,” OCHA said.

In Puntland, nearly 800,000 people are facing acute water and food shortages due to failed 2024 Deyr rains and bleak forecasts for the upcoming 2025 Gu’ season.

The situation is forcing large-scale displacement of both people and livestock.

Military operations and inter-clan clashes have displaced over 70,000 people, including 10,000 from Qandala district in Bari region.

OCHA is currently analyzing data from rapid needs assessments to gauge the full extent of the humanitarian crisis.

The findings will inform targeted responses by aid agencies.

Additionally, prolonged dry conditions in hard-to-reach areas like Xarardheere district in Mudug have caused widespread livestock deaths, deepening the livelihood crisis.

The UN warns that both conflict and climate shocks are now driving displacement across Somalia, creating urgent and complex humanitarian challenges.